Fans heading to Thursday night preseason opener at Arrowhead Stadium will notice some changes to the longstanding parking routine.

The Kansas City Chiefs said it's made the changes after hearing complaints from fans about how long it took to get into the stadium.

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"We've completely missed tailgating before because we planned to do it, but because of the traffic getting into the stadium, we've missed it," said fan Dave McCormick.

"They wanted easier entrance to the stadium," said Jayne Martin, the director of fan experience for the Kansas City Chiefs. "They wanted to be able to get in and go in a smooth process and a smooth manner."

The team hired SP+ Gameday, which has developed parking strategies for Super Bowls and Olympic games.

Cars will be directed in a counter-clockwise circle around the Truman Sports Complex to the nearest open lot, depending on which gate the fan uses to enter.

"No longer will we have a bi-directional flow, which will make things much more safe," said Martin.

People who come in through Gate 5 should be aware that it's only available for prepaid parking. Fans will no longer be able to pay cash at Gate 5. Chiefs who want to prepay for parking can visit the Chiefs Ticket Office or call 816-920-4237 for $27 parking, a $3 discount over paying cash at the other gates.

With the preseason opener falling on a weeknight, fans may also have to deal with rush hour traffic.

"We ask for folks to, first of all, arrive early," said Martin. "Maybe this is the time to sweet-talk your boss into letting you leave the office early so you can get out to Arrowhead Stadium and avoid the rush hour traffic. But also have patience with us. This is going to be a couple of games to work out some of the kinks in the plan."

During the first hour after parking lots open, people will be able to drive around and choose whichever spot they want. Tailgaters who want to gather in a particular area should arrive during that first hour.

"There are some die-hard tailgaters out there. There have been people coming to Arrowhead since 1972 and have tailgated in the same spot every single game of every single year," said Vice President of Stadium Operations David Young.

Lots will open at 2:30 p.m. for Thursday's game. The team said season ticket members arriving by 4:30 p.m. will get 400 Chiefs Kingdom Pass points. Those who arrive before 3:30 p.m. will earn double points.